Lake Michigan Day summit addresses high water levels, climate change, and more

MANITOWOC (WLUK) -- It's one of the largest bodies of water on the planet.

Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes, a vital water system for the region, the country and beyond.

Environmental challenges and success were highlighted at the 7th annual Lake Michigan Day summit.

The conference has been held at places like the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, but coronavirus concerns mean the 2020 Lake Michigan Day is a virtual event.

"As much as we'd like to be with all of you in person, we're just so appreciative of you taking the time to join us, as we really celebrate," said Tom Mlada, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership Executive Director.

Mlada says a record 150 people joined the online session Friday to talk about environmental and conservation issues and concerns. Record high monthly water levels are causing erosion damage up and the shoreline, and there are extreme weather events, like a surging storm that pounded the Algoma area last November.

"All of these things have dramatic effects on the habitats that we have, and as you heard this morning from the Midwest, increased average precipitation," said Andrew Struck, Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Director.

Keynote speaker Scott Denning addressed climate change. He says if the trend continues, temperatures could rise across the Midwest. He stressed using renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, and cutting out fossil fuels like oil and coal.

"If that's the case, our future is bright, our children's future is bright, that they're going to go on to good, happy, healthy lives for their children," said Scott Denning, Climatologist.

What will the future hold? Experts say they expect fluctuating water levels to remain high in the coming years. But even as some popular beaches continue to shrink, they say people will find a way to enjoy what Lake Michigan has to offer.

There were also some awards given out virtually at Friday's summit.

Lake Michigan Champion of Conservation Lifetime Achievement Winner: Bill Mueller

Lake Michigan Champion of Conservation Award: Dick and Mary Smythe, Climate Change Coalition of Door County

Lake Michigan Champion of Conservation Award: Rebecca Armbruster and Jamie Propson, Mishicot School District

Lake Michigan Champion of Conservation Award: Jessica Schultz, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Lake Michigan Champion of Conservation Award: Eric Peterson, FOX 11 News